The trainees were given a short break to recover while the instructors set up for the next test: Speed.
A complex obstacle course snaked across the training field – walls to scale, ropes to swing across, narrow beams to balance on, and finally, a hundred-meter dash to the finish line.
"Speed isn't just about running fast in a straight line," Instructor Henry announced, his voice regaining its usual sternness, though his eyes kept flicking towards Fin.
"It's about agility, control, navigating difficult terrain efficiently. Fastest time through the course wins. Fall, you get a time penalty. Fail to complete an obstacle, you're disqualified from this test. Go!"
The horn blared again.
Trainees surged forward in waves. Fin watched the first few groups tackle the course. Many struggled with the taller walls or slipped on the balance beams. Lila went through smoothly, her movements nimble and practiced, earning her a fast time near the top of the early results.
